Pd Retire-rehire Statement 8.23

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP 9113 CINCINNATI-DAYTON ROAD WEST CHESTER OH 45069

OFFICIAL STATEMENT In December 2005, Chief Bruce and Lt. Flick accepted three-year employment agreements to continue in their positions with the police department, after officially retiring from their posts. Trustees chose to exercise this option in order to better prepare future leaders within the department and to ensure a seamless transition in command. Chief Bruce and Lt. Col. Flick have served the community well and their careers span over a half century collectively. They have developed alternative policing strategies and employed the latest policing techniques to manage a growing police force in a growing community. They have earned the respect of the officers they lead and have put in place competent and capable future leaders of the West Chester Police Department. West Chester Board of Trustees exercises an employee-requested retire/rehire privilege when it is in the best interest of the citizens of the community and the leadership succession of the organization. In December 2005 when agreements with Chief Bruce and Lt. Col. Flick were approved, Trustees indicated the three-year contract would ensure a seamless transition in command and no interruption in services to residents and businesses. When employees request this privilege, they agree to reduced pay and a reduction in benefits. Each request is processed based on organizational needs and expectations the retiree will prepare capable leadership to eventually fill the void created by the retirement. Contracts for the police chief and assistant police chief expire in December 2008. The Police Chief search is an internal search and a successor will hopefully be named from within the ranks of the department. The West Chester Township Board of Trustees is grateful for the service of Chief Bruce and Lt. Col. Flick and wishes them well in their retirement. They have been wonderful leaders in the department and will leave behind a legacy of exceptional leadership among those they have trained over the years. West Chester is fortunate to have a team of highly trained and highly qualified police officers within its ranks who are prepared to lead. It is important to the sustainability of our community, that we encourage this leadership, giving officers the opportunity to move up the chain of command.